BCCI grants amnesty to Kiran More

The BCCI on Monday granted amnesty to former India wicket-keeper Kiran More, paving the way for his return to the fold of the parent cricket body and making him eligible for the one-time benefit payment.

More, who had joined rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), back in 2007 along with former India captain Kapil Dev and several others, was banned by the BCCI with immediate effect.

The decision to grant More amnesty was taken at BCCI's Working Committee here.

Prior to the fifth edition of the IPL, More had written to the BCCI seeking amnesty, having rejected the same offer in 2009. He was a chief selector before joining now defunct ICL.

As far as the benefit scheme goes, More who has played 49 Tests and 94 ODIs will be eligible for a payment of Rs. 60 lakh.

Along with it his pension, which had been freezed, will also be restored and all arrears are likely to be cleared.

BCCI in all likelihood will also soon be granting amnesty to Kapil Dev as the former Indian captain is all set to write to the cricket board on this issue.

It is learnt that BCCI president N Srinivasan has taken personal initiative in bringing the 1983 World Cup winning captain back in the BCCI fold. Kapil has finally relented on applying for amnesty after "fruitful discussions with the BCCI president."

"Although this was not on the agenda, the president (Srinivasan) informed the members that there has been fruitful discussions with Kapil Dev and the latter has agreed to seek amnesty. The formalities will be worked out soon," a senior working committee member preferring anonymity said.

Kapil, who joined as the chairman of the executive board of Indian Cricket League back in 2007, has never sought amnesty from the BCCI but he has been invited for some of the functions organised by Cricket Board lately.

"The content of the application letter will be such that it doesn't hurt the dignity of a player of Kapil's stature but also at the same time maintain BCCI's position of being the parent body and guardian of the game in the country," the official further added.

If Kapil gets amnesty, he will be entitled to Rs 1 crore as a part of BCCI's one-time benefit scheme and he will also start receiving pension once again. His arrears will also be cleared.